Archive for the 'Ski Resorts' Category
All work and no play can be stressful. Take your loved ones on a vacation every now and then so you can all unwind and get out of familiar routines. You’ll find that a change of scenery can do wonders to refresh your soul and promote bonding for all members of the family. Many resorts all over the country cater to families.
These lodging places have spacious suites, activities for parents and kids, buffet meals and on-site babysitters among many other amenities. Book a suite instead of just one big room if you have more than two kids. Or get two connecting standard hotel rooms to give your family some space to breathe.
Many people with limited vacation time choose to go to resorts. There are many varieties of resorts to suit individual tastes, interests, and budgets. Entire towns have become dedicated to vacationing and tourism. Resorts can be ideal for singles looking to meet others with similar interests, couples seeking a romantic getaway, and families, since there is something to do for everybody.
Resorts tend to be all inclusive. Lodging, food, drinks, and daytime activities are all available on the property and the price can be either a-la-carte or all-inclusive. Many all-inclusive resorts are on the ocean. Others are near lakes, rivers, or at ski resorts. Some cater to hunters, fishermen, and outdoor lovers, others attract sunbathers, surfers, and scuba divers. Prices can vary greatly – elite resorts can cost hundreds per day, while other resorts can be a real bargain, especially for families.
Tourism is such a successful revenue stream that entire towns have decided to become resort towns. The infrastructure is designed for tourists to come for 1 week, eat, drink, and recreate, and then be gone. These resort towns are usually at ski resorts or at the beach, and can be found all over the world.
For active singles, resorts offer a great combination of active sports, social mingling, and relaxing. Many resorts cater to this market. Other resorts are more quiet, with secluded lodging, great food , and spas. These resorts are perfect for couples looking for a place to be alone. For families, it is important to find a resort that welcomes kids. There will typically be a swimming pool with a lifeguard, and organized activities for children. In addition to having fun with the kids, there will be amenities for parents – nice restaurants, and activities like golf.
Resorts are a great place to relax rest, and have fun – which is what a vacation is all about!
Outdoor environmental author Edward Abbey has been quoted as saying “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” Abbey valued wilderness, and shunned development in wilderness areas. The concept of a wilderness lodge would have sparked a lively conversation with Mr. Abbey, to be sure.
A modern wilderness lodge allows visitors to experience wilderness without having to endure the hardship and tedium of camping. In some respects, these lodges actually protect the surrounding wilderness by constraining human impact to a small geographical area. Getting in and out can require effort, and there will likely be some creature comforts missing. But overall, staying at a wilderness lodge can be the perfect way to experience the great outdoors.
A wilderness lodge can often be accessed by car, usually on a dirt road. Other lodges require boat, plane, float plane, or helicopter access. Some require a long hike or a ride on horseback to get to the lodge. These methods of access lend credence to the saying that ‘getting there is half the fun.’ Once at the lodge, you will usually find comfortable beds, a warm fire, food and drink, and other modern conveniences. Electricity may be a precious resource if it comes from solar panels or a generator. Latrines may be composting toilets without running water.
Overall, wilderness lodges can have less of an impact on an area when compared with regular camping. This is a good thing. Imagine what 1,000 campsites and bathrooms would do to a pristine meadow! Also, these lodges allow access to visitors who normally wouldn’t be able to handle a back country camping expedition. The best part about a wilderness lodge is going to sleep and waking up in a wild place. This is truly satisfying for the human spirit, and Edward Abbey would certainly value that!
Skiing - Jasper, AB Marmot Basin
Skiing has been around for a very long time. A 9,000 year old petroglyph from Norway depict a form of skiing. If you are going on a ski vacation, it makes a lot of sense to stay in a ski lodge. You will be close to the slopes, and you will be surrounded by other skiers. The facilities will cater to you with places to store your skis, waxing services, weather reports, and knowledge of the local mountains. You can also count on fun activities after skiing.
Ski lodges exist in virtually every ski town in the European Alps. They can be small and quaint, or large and bustling. Expect strong coffee, thick down comforters, and lots of guests. North American ski resorts have replicated this model to an extent, but the lodging and town may be several miles away from the resort. If this is the case, shuttle transportation will be available to and from the ski hill.
In North America, virtually every ski resort has a well-developed base lodge that services skiers during the day. Here you can find meals, drinks, a repair shop, stores, and a comfortable ambiance. There are some exquisitely built ski lodges that are worth visiting, even if you don’t plan on skiing. Bring a book, order a coffee, and relax.
After skiing, most ski lodges will offer refreshments – beer and wine, hot cocoa, cheese and crackers. This is a great way to unwind with other skiers after a day on the slopes. Many ski lodges also offer hot tubs, saunas, and spa services.
If you are a skier and plan on going on a ski vacation, you may want to consider staying in ski lodges. You will be close to the slopes, surrounded by other skiers, and have access to everything you need so that you can spend as much time skiing as possible!
When it comes to searching for an enjoyable winter vacation spot, it’s not always easy to know where to start looking for the best places. Sure you can ask friends and family, but if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more unique, start your search online. Ski Resorts are scattered throughout the United States and much of Canada, and if you’re looking for an ideal location, you probably want a more collective opinion than what Joe Neighbor tells you. Online you can often find directories of ski resorts from all over North America, and you’ll be able to make an informed judgment about where to stay.
You’ll also want to make sure that not only your ski resort provides the accommodations you want, but that the mountain has some great ski routes too! Well traveled locations with tightly packed snow can be boring for experienced skiers, if you’re looking for fresh powder, think out of the box!